Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Sydney

"Southeast of the Opera House, this garden was established in 1816 and features plant life from around the world. Within the gardens are hothouses with palms and ferns, as well as the Calyx, a striking exhibition space featuring a curving glasshouse gallery with a wall of greenery and temporary plant-themed exhibitions. Grab a park map at any main entrance."

"I recommend joining an Aboriginal Heritage Walk to learn about the Cadigal people who were the original owners of this area. (every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10am to 11.30am). Alternatively you could join a free guided tour to learn more about the plants at the Gardens."

"Sydney's second most famous beach is a magnificent strand that stretches for nearly two golden kilometres, lined by Norfolk Island pines and midrise apartment blocks. The southern end of the beach, nearest the Corso, is known as South Steyne, with North Steyne in the centre and Queenscliff at the northern end; each has its own surf lifesaving club."

"Carry on and you will hit the popular Manly beach. It’s a great beach for surfing and usually less crowded than Bondi. Wander around to the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco-Walk which has lots of cute sculptures along it representing the vast marine life and plants in the area."

"Hidden in the bustling precinct of Darling Harbour is the Chinese Friendship Gardens, a gift to Sydney from Sydney’s Chinese sister city, Guangzhou in China. It has the strange ability to transport you away from Sydney to a tranquil spot that the kids will love exploring. Make certain you head to the traditional dress shop where, for a small fee, you and the kids can choose an outfit to wear to explore the grounds."

"Built in the late 1980’s, the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship is a heritage-listed green space, situated at the south end of Darling Harbour, only a short stroll away from Darling Harbour. The Chinese Garden of Friendship was in fact designed in China to celebrate the Australian Bicentenary. It was gifted to Sydney from Guangdong, a Chinese sister state to New South Wales."

"Out of all of the Sydney beaches, Cronulla is the only beach in the city that can be reached by train, making it the perfect stop for sunny days that are sure to lure everyone from the region down to the beach. It’s famous for its surf, large stretch of sand and family-friendly atmosphere. Use Cronulla as a base for the Cronulla walk, a two-hour trek that weaves you through other nearby beaches, pools, local flora, and viewpoints."

"Avoid the headache of finding a car park with a trip to Cronulla Beach, which is the only beach in Sydney that is accessible by train. Bathe on the sprawling sand or catch a wave in the surf at this vibrant Summer destination. With seaside restaurants, surf-lifesaving events and leafy parks all a stone’s throw away, there is always something to do and see."

"A hidden jewel on North Head, magical Store Beach can only be reached by kayak (you can hire them from Manly Kayak Centre) or boat. It’s a breeding ground for fairy penguins, so access is prohibited from dusk, when the birds waddle in to settle down for the night."

"Scratched out of the sand in 1888 in grand Victorian style, Sydney’s biggest park is a rambling 189-hectare expanse full of horse riders, joggers, cyclists and in-line skaters. Grab a park map at any of the entrances or the information centre in the middle. During summer the Moonlight Cinema attracts crowds."

"Sydney's second most famous beach is a magnificent strand that stretches for nearly two golden kilometres, lined by Norfolk Island pines and midrise apartment blocks. The southern end of the beach, nearest the Corso, is known as South Steyne, with North Steyne in the centre and Queenscliff at the northern end; each has its own surf lifesaving club."

"Carry on and you will hit the popular Manly beach. It’s a great beach for surfing and usually less crowded than Bondi. Wander around to the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco-Walk which has lots of cute sculptures along it representing the vast marine life and plants in the area."

"Far less popular than the touristy Bondi to Coogee hike, the Spit to Manly Walk is a quieter alternative with more natural busy and varied views. A stunning day hike along the North Sydney harbor coastline that weaves its way through a mix of lush bushland and scenic harbourside trails with secluded beaches, indigenous rock carvings, and panoramic lookouts along the way. You can hike the 10km (6.2 miles) trail in 3.5 hours in a hurry, but I recommend you take your time and enjoy the sights and sounds."

"If you fancy stretching your legs, the walk from Manly to Spit Bridge is a pleasant 2-3 hour coastal walk with amazing views over the ocean. Catch the ferry to Manly harbour and head round the coast – make sure not to miss the ancient aboriginal carvings along the way. When it comes to free things to do in Sydney, this is one of the most popular for good reason."

"A quirky flea market, Paddy’s Market is the best place for some cheap clothes, souvenirs, and antiques. The market also has a food section which has excellent fresh produce of fruits and vegetables, and also meat and seafood!. It is popular amongst tourists because of its fun vibe and atmosphere."

"One of the biggest market in Sydney for over 150 years is the Paddy’s Market. You will find a wide variety of stalls of food, fashion and other exciting gifts. You can shop for some of your friends and beloved from the market place."

"It’s been a significant fixture in the local community, having been around now for over 150 years. Its origins date back to 1834 when then-Governor..."

"A landmark building near Circular Quay, this is the location of the library. It used to be the headquarters of the Customs service and is an impressive building to walk through. One of the best features to check out is a small scale model of Sydney under the glass floor."

"If you’re a fan of cutting-edge Australian and international modern art, a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) on the western side of Circular Quay is an absolute must. Housed in an impressive art deco building right at the waterfront, the MCA is dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting the work of today’s contemporary artists. The building alone is enough reason to visit this museum."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is a cultural marvel and houses a brilliant range of contemporary art. The venue is free to visit and children are warmly received. Throughout both the school term and the Sydney school holidays, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia offers a range of family fun activities."